Movement of Vicugna vicugna to Sandy areas in response to competition for food resources and habitat disturbance

The research on the population dynamics of vicuñas in three habitats within the regions of Puno and Moquegua aimed to: a) Quantify the population fluctuation of vicuñas and flora diversity in the Sandy, Wetlands, and Grasslands habitats. b) Estimate the population density of vicuñas and flora biomass in the Sandy, Wetlands, and Grasslands habitats. To conduct this investigation, linear transect methodology was employed, utilizing the Hayne estimator for each mentioned habitat and random quadrants. The results revealed a trend towards an increase in the number of individuals and family groups in the sandy dune habitat, while lower values were recorded in the wetlands and grasslands habitats. However, it is worth noting that population density was higher in the Wetlands habitat, with a value of 0.699 indiv/ha, followed by the Sandy habitat with 0.275 indiv/ha, and the Grassland with 0.163 indiv/ha. Additionally, a higher number of females than males were observed, with groups of up to 34 male individuals forming herds. Furthermore, the Sandy habitat exhibited lower flora diversity and biomass (1653.89 kg), whereas greater flora diversity and biomass were recorded in the wetlands (24773.76 kg), and the Grasslands calculated at 25524.48 kg. These findings provide valuable information regarding the population dynamics of vicuñas, flora diversity, and biomass in the analyzed habitats, crucial for their conservation and proper management in the regions of Puno and Moquegua.